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Finding a rental car in Vernal is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands all around Utah with no booking fees. Cars sell out quickly in this starting point for Dinosaur National Monument, so lock in your SUV, 4WD or budget ride early for the widest choice and low rates. With a car you can cruise US-40 to Dinosaur National Monument, Flaming Gorge and Red Fleet State Park whenever you like.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Vernal Regional Airport (VEL) | • Convenient for air travelers • No transportation needed from airport • Enterprise counter available |
• Very limited flight service • Small selection of vehicles • Hours tied to flight schedule • Advance reservation essential |
| Vernal Downtown | • Enterprise location on Main Street • Flexible pickup/drop-off times • No airport fees |
• Limited operating hours • Closed weekends at most locations • Limited vehicle selection • Transportation needed from airport |
| Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) | • Largest selection of vehicles • All major rental companies • Extended hours (some 24/7) • Competitive pricing |
• 180 miles (290 km) (3-hour drive) to Vernal • One-way fees may apply |
Vernal Rental Agencies:
On average, car rentals in Vernal cost around $65 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickups – the Main Street counter avoids airport concession fees and can be cheaper, just check its weekday-only hours.
Peak-season sell-outs – June – August and long weekends see tiny Vernal fleets vanish fast, so lock in 4–8 weeks ahead; in shoulder seasons you can watch prices and book closer to arrival.
Price out a weekly rate – weird but true: a 7-day booking can cost less than 4–5 individual days and gives you buffer time for Flaming Gorge or Nine Mile Canyon.
Vernal vs Salt Lake City – SLC's massive fleets often mean lower base rates; it only saves money if you're returning there too, otherwise one-way fees and extra gas erase the gain.
Go compact if you'll stay on pavement – smaller cars sip less fuel (remote-area gas is pricey) and slide easily into downtown's free street parking.
Grab an America the Beautiful Pass – $80 gets your car into Dinosaur National Monument plus every other federal park for a year, paying for itself after about three sites.
| Location | Parking Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Vernal | Street parking | Free | Abundant and rarely full |
| Public lots | Free | Located throughout downtown area | |
| Dinosaur National Monument | Visitor Center | Free | Ample parking at both visitor centers |
| Quarry Exhibit Hall | Free | Short shuttle ride from visitor center during busy periods | |
| Flaming Gorge | Designated areas | Free | Multiple viewpoints and recreation areas |
| State Parks (Red Fleet, Steinaker) | Designated lots | Included with entry fee | Day-use fee applies |
| Trailheads | Primitive parking | Free | Limited capacity at remote trailheads |
| Utah Field House Museum | Street/lot | Free | Downtown Vernal location |
Speed Limits:
Important Rules:
Seasonal Considerations:
Get a rental to get to:
Dinosaur National Monument – Quarry Exhibit Hall, petroglyphs, canyon overlooks
Flaming Gorge Reservoir & Scenic Byway – Red Canyon Visitor Center, marinas
Fantasy Canyon – rock formations
Red Fleet & Steinaker State Parks – reservoirs, dinosaur tracks
Do I need a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle to visit Dinosaur National Monument?
No, you can get to the main attractions on paved roads. These include the Quarry Exhibit Hall (fossil wall) and both visitor centers. However, for some remote areas like Echo Park, the Tour of Tilted Rocks petroglyph drive and Yampa Bench Road, you do need a high-clearance vehicle and sometimes 4WD, especially after it rains.
Where's the best place to rent a car for visiting Vernal?
Enterprise is the main rental company in Vernal, and they have offices at the regional airport and downtown. Because they have a limited number of cars, you need to reserve one in advance. If you're flying into Salt Lake City, you will find more rental choices there, even though it's a 3-hour drive to Vernal.
How far in advance should I book a car in Vernal?
For the busy summer season, you should book 1–2 months ahead of time. They have a very small number of cars, and they can completely sell out. Even in the slower season, we suggest you book 2–3 weeks in advance.
Are there any unpaved roads I should be aware of when planning my trip?
Yes, you will need to drive on unpaved roads to see many of the most scenic areas. These include:
What's the America the Beautiful Pass, and should I get one?
This yearly pass costs $80 and it lets you into national parks, monuments and other federal recreation areas. If you plan to visit Dinosaur National Monument ($25) and other federal sites on your trip or within a year, the pass will save you money.
Are there any seasonal road closures I should be aware of?
Yes, officials close several roads for part of the year:
Can I return my rental to a different location than where I picked it up?
Yes, you can do a one-way rental. For example, you could pick up a car in Vernal and drop it off in Salt Lake City. However, the rental company will usually charge you a one-way fee of $50 to $200, depending on how far it is. You need to set this up in advance because the company has to approve it.
What should I do if my rental car breaks down in a remote area?
You should first call your rental company's roadside assistance. You won't have cell service in many areas, so you might need to get to higher ground or drive somewhere else to find a signal. You should carry emergency supplies like water, food and warm clothing. For real emergencies in places that have no cell service, we suggest you bring a satellite communication device.
Is winter a good time to visit Vernal and Dinosaur National Monument?
In winter, you'll find fewer crowds and lower prices, but there are some downsides. The Quarry Exhibit Hall is open all year, but officials close many remote roads because of snow. You can expect winter driving conditions from November through March, especially on mountain roads. We recommend you use an AWD/4WD vehicle for winter trips.
How reliable is cell phone service in the Vernal area?
You'll generally have good cell service in Vernal and along US-40. But in more remote areas, your service will be poor or you won't have any at all. This includes parts of Dinosaur National Monument, Flaming Gorge and backcountry roads. You should download maps to use offline and don't rely only on your cell phone for directions or in an emergency.
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